The Silver Ferns: The Will to Win
The Will to Win an insight into culture and leadership of the Silver Ferns
“During my research, I gained such valuable insights into the culture and leadership of the Silver Ferns that I wanted to share this knowledge not only with netball fans, but with all sporting enthusiasts. Much of what this book is about can be used by coaches and players of various sports and at all levels.”
During my work career in the field of sport management in New Zealand, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and collaborating with Dr Lana McCarthy and Dr Andy Martin, who are two of the authors behind this insightful book. Through my management role within Netball, I had become aware of Lana’s intriguing PhD research that explored various aspects of organisational culture. I had the opportunity to meet Andy back in 2009 during my time with a local sports trust, which was a valuable experience. More recently, Andy and I teamed up again to collaborate on a conference that was held at Massey University in Palmerston North for Athletics NZ. At this event, Andy graciously agreed to serve as a keynote speaker, where he effectively focused on themes such as connection, community, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in his engaging presentation.
“Will to Win” by Lana McCarthy, Andy Martin, and Geoff Watson delves into the development of team culture and leadership within New Zealand’s national netball team, the Silver Ferns. The book provides insights from legendary players and coaches, discussing the evolution of team culture, the impact of intense rivalries, and the resilience required to succeed at an elite level.
In terms of organizational culture, the book highlights several key aspects:
Leadership and Vision: Effective leadership is crucial in shaping a positive and resilient team culture. Leaders set the vision and standards for the team, which can be applied to any organisation aiming to foster a strong culture.
Team Dynamics and Cohesion: Building a cohesive team where members support each other is essential. This involves nurturing relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging, which are vital for any successful organization.
Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances is a recurring theme. This resilience is important for organisations to thrive in competitive and dynamic environments.
Continuous Improvement: The emphasis on learning from both successes and failures to continuously improve is a key takeaway. Organizations can benefit from fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Shared Goals and Values: Aligning the team around common goals and values helps in creating a unified and motivated workforce. This alignment is crucial for achieving organisational objectives.
By examining the Silver Ferns’ journey, “Will to Win” offers valuable lessons on how to cultivate a winning organisational culture through strong leadership, teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Check out the Q&A about the book, Netball, The Silver Ferns, culture and leadership here:
10 Questions with Lana McCarthy, Andy Martin and Geoff Watson | Massey University Press